My foodie tour of NYC was all about the heavy hitters this weekend, but it’s sometimes hard to appreciate all the sweet without a little sour. In this case I might have needed a pizza downtown over a pricey prix fixe.
Here are the most memorable moments and what might be worth saving for another trip.
Friday
Lunch at Le Bernadin
A 3-course lunch is just a fraction of the dinner price—and best of all you get the same food! I would rank the service an 11 out of 10, and the food at an 8. While it was all delicious, I never had the eyes rolling to the back of my head over an entrée moment.
As a first lunch though it was a superb way to overcome the jetlag of an overnight flight 🙂
Dinner at Per Se
I blame myself here for trying to jam too much luxury into an already stuffed Chanel bag…especially on the first day of my culinary tour! Trying to avoid the sticker shock of a $300 pre-fixe (for one person without drinks), my husband and I decided to eat in the Salon à la carte and just try a few dishes.
Part of me wishes this was not even offered and the next time I walk through those blue doors I plan on being rich/lucky enough to spend the money on the full meal giving Thomas Keller the respect he deserves for crafting a menu that changes daily.
Here are some of the highlights from my the à la carte.
- The Oldest Salt in the World
2. Duck Foie Gras- a supplement to the tasting menu, but made available in the Salon
3. Tower of Desserts-gratis of course:)
Saturday
Lunch at Bouley
This has been my favorite restaurant in NYC 2 years running as it is the perfect combination of experience, food, and price. The pre-fixe tasting lunch is 5-courses for $55 dollars and is really 7-courses with everything additional they give you. Include the pound cake for the next day and you could live on Bouley all weekend!
Amuse-Bouche: Lobster in a Watermelon Puree
Blini of Scottish Smoked Salmon-Will melt in your mouth the second it touches your tongue
Forager’s Treasure of Wild Mushrooms
Organic Long Island Duck (Pardon the bad photography as I was so taken with the moment 🙂
Chocolate Soufflé-on a white coffee cloud…this will take you away
Dinner at Daniel
For our last dinner in The City we enjoyed a 4-course prix fixe at Daniel Boulud’s world renowned restaurant–and in a corner table to best observe all the action.
I refrained from photos as it felt obscene, but the pictures in my mind are unforgettable and I urge everyone to go experience it for yourself.
Sunday
Lunch at Jean-Georges
Jean-Georges offers perhaps the best lunch deal for a restaurant with 4 stars from The New York Times and 3 Michelin Stars. The Taste of Summer menu is $38 dollars for 2 plates, and again that is not counting the amuse bouche to begin and the desserts at the end. Combine that with a glass of wine under $10 dollars and it’s affordable luxury at its finest.
Amuse-Bouche—if all you could have is 3 bites of something, this could be enough
Sea Trout Draped in Trout Eggs—a must have item, with a perfection I cannot pin-point
Charred Corn Ravioli—meet my new obsession, anything with corn!
Black Sea Bass—almost like comfort food
House made Marshmallows
Lastly…a picture of bliss. If only every afternoon could be a Sunday in the park with Jean Georges
